We first learned about Laurel Springs in the Summer of 1996 when Atlanta was host to the Olympic Games.  As we were currently living in North Fulton County with high property taxes, we were anxious to learn more about this new gated golf course community that was located just one mile into South Forsyth County which offered very low property taxes, excellent public schools and was located in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. The community was in its infancy stage as the main gate was not yet built, the golf course was still completing development, the amenities were still under construction and phase one of the community was being built and developed.  We walked down dirt streets that had been cut in but not yet paved to select our lot where we would build our new Laurel Springs home. Over the past 11 years, we have seen Laurel Springs develop into a wonderful community that is a great place to raise a family and a perfect place to retire.  Eleven custom builders and a strict architectural review committee helped create a community that is not only beautiful but is also welcoming and inviting with tree lined streets and architecturally diverse homes.  Miles of lighted sidewalks provide the opportunity for endless walks, bike rides and roller blading.  A well equipped play ground is a regular meeting place for children, families and play groups and includes numerous swings, monkey bars, slides, a rock climbing wall and picnic tables.  Our children's favorite part of the play ground is the tire swing.  A lighted basketball court is often filled with children and adults enjoying a practice session or a pick-up game.  An adjacent grassy field is regularly filled with a pick-up game of baseball or football. The Stan Smith Swim & Tennis Center is always a hub of activity and includes eight lighted tennis courts including two clay courts and six hard courts, stadium seating, a central observation deck and gazebo and a tennis pro shop.  The are organized leagues for players of all ages and levels including juniors, seniors, mens and ladies.  An experienced, full-time tennis director and three tennis pros offer various clinics, drills, private lessons, summer clinics, cardio tennis and organized activities.  Some of our favorites include the Friday night pizza mixer for children and the marguarita mixers for adults.  It is also a pleasure to participate in the annual Volley for a Cure that raises money to fight breast cancer. The Laurel Springs Residents Club is a professionally decorated two story facility and includes a deep wrap around front porch that overlooks the swim and tennis amenities, a gathering room with stone fireplace, a full entertaining kitchen, an exercise room and mens and ladies locker rooms.  You can host your own personal function at the Residents Club including business meetings, birthday parties, graduation parties, wedding receptions and more.  One of the biggest changes we have seen over the years has been the addition of numerous shops and restaurants within one to five miles from Laurel Springs!  When we moved to Laurel Springs, there was limited shopping and restaurants and a sign that QuickTrip would soon be built.  Now there are three grocery stores within one mile from Laurel Springs, a variety of fast food and sit down restaurants around the corner and an abudance of nearby shops including book stores, department stores, drug stores, office supply stores, gift shops, craft stores, pet shops, car washes, gas stations, work out facilities and more.  As the Johns Creek Technology Park is located one mile south of Laurel Springs, we are fortunate to also have a number of upscale restaurants and hotels very close to home.  With the addition of the new state of the art Emory Johns Creek Hospital in 2007, we now have an abundance of first class medical offices and facilities around the corner.